Without going too far back into history Palestine has been occupied by Israel arguably since its inception, however certainly for the past 50 years. Despite numerous efforts to resolve the many issues following the UN Security Resolution 242 there has only been regress. Subsequently Israel has waged war after war on Palestine and surrounding countries with absolute impunity. Palestine is being carved up and land grabs are a continuous cycle. Settlements in Palestine are one of the most contentious issues and whilst these are illegal under International Law Israel has the unwavering support of the US who continually veto any sanctions against Israel. Palestinian families are given little or no notice of their home demolition and are being made refugees in their own country often being offered no recourse or compensation. In Gaza, and despite Israel withdrawing troops it remains controlled by the land, sea and air. Picture an open air prison with limited water, food and electricity. Picture 1.8 million people living there most of whom are refugees and have no autonomy over their lives. Now picture this in one of the most densely populated areas in the world. This is happening today!

Not only is the occupation of Palestine illegal it is grossly immoral and is largely being ignored by the International Community. Children are consistently the target of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and detention without trial is common place. Palestine's economy is unable to grow and thrive due to the stranglehold Israel has over it with the constant threat to withdraw aid always looming. Grave injustices are being done onto the people of Palestine everyday and the mainstream media turns a blind eye.

I became involved with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign following 'Operation Protective Edge' by the IDF slaughtered around 2300 the vast majority of which were innocent lives with some 500 of these being children under 16 - a disproportionate amount in any conflict. I have been a member ever since, actively campaigning locally on a wide range of issues. However, whilst I have read countless stories of the grave injustices faced by Palestinians on a daily basis I am passionate about affecting change for the better in whatever way possible....

I am traveling to Palestine for the first time in October of this year with a group called Labour2Palestine. Whilst I am funding this trip myself I want to try and make a difference no matter how small. Along my journey I will be meeting politicians, charities and other voluntary organisations that do incredible work on the ground. I want to hear their stories and their hopes and plans for the future. I also want to give where I can and as such am having a local fundraiser so that I can offer some assistance directly to these charities etc when I'm there. Alongside this I have set up this page up so that people can read this story for themselves and give whatever they can no matter how small. Every penny raised will be donated directly to a charity on the ground so you will be making a real difference no matter how big or small you give.

Thanks for reading!